Species information Scientific name: Echinotriton andersoniJapanese name: オキナワイボイモリChinese name: 沖繩棘螈English name: Okinawa crocodile newtOrigin: Okinawajima, Tokashikijima Ecology and description This species is designated as a natural monument in Okinawa Prefecture and is one of the most primitive species in the family Salamandridae. For this reason, it is often referred to as a “living fossil.” The… Continue reading Okinawa crocodile newt
Author: YambaruWanyu
Black Wood Pigeon
Species information Scientific name: Columba janthinaJapanese name: カラスバトChinese name: 黑林鴿English name: Black wood pigeonOrigin: China (Shandong Province), Korea, Japan Ecology and description This species has 3 subspecies: Black wood pigeon primarily dwells in the canopy layer, making it difficult to spot and sometimes only detectable by its call. Reference: Wikipedia Field photographs taken during our… Continue reading Black Wood Pigeon
Yaeyama Music Frog
Species information Scientific name: Nidirana okinavanaJapanese name: ヤエヤマハラブチガエルChinese name: 琉球琴蛙English name: Yaeyama music frogOrigin: Ishigaki, Iriomote Ecology and description The call of the Yaeyama music frog resembles the sound of playing a harp, which is very unique. They mainly dig burrows for breeding in mudflats during the summer. It is crucial not to step into… Continue reading Yaeyama Music Frog
Miyako Toad
Species information Scientific name: Bufo gargarizans miyakonisJapanese name: ミヤコヒキガエルChinese name: 宮古蟾蜍English name: Miyako toadOrigin: Miyako Islands (Miyako Islands (Miyakojima, Irabujima, Shimojijima, Ikemajima, and Kurimajima) Ecology and description Miyako toad is a subspecies of the Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans), found in China, and is the only native toad species in the Ryukyu Islands. The breeding season… Continue reading Miyako Toad
Miyako Keelback
Species information Scientific name: Hebius concelarusJapanese name: ミヤコヒバァChinese name: 宮古腹鍊蛇English name: Miyako keelbackOrigin: Miyakojima, Irabujima Ecology and description Miyako keelback is a species endemic to Miyakojima and Irabujima. It is very rare and classified as a “Domestic Rare Wildlife Species” in Japan. Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
Miyako Freshwater Crab
Species information Scientific name: Geothelphusa miyakoensisJapanese name: ミヤコサワガニChinese name: 宮古澤蟹English name: Miyako freshwater crabOrigin: Miyakojima Ecology and description Miyako freshwater crab is an endemic freshwater crab species of Miyakojima. The carapace is about 3 cm wide. Currently, only 4 known habitats exist at groundwater outflow locations. The population is very limited, facing threats from habitat… Continue reading Miyako Freshwater Crab
Sword-tail Newt
Species information Scientific name: Cynops ensicaudaJapanese name: シリケンイモリChinese name: 劍尾蠑螈English name: Sword-tail newtOrigin: Okinawa Islands, Amami Islands Ecology and description The species name Sword-tail newt ensicauda means sword (ensis) and tail (cauda). This species is divided into different subspecies between the Okinawa Islands and the Amami Islands. Interestingly, Tokunoshima, which lies between the Okinawa Islands… Continue reading Sword-tail Newt
Ryukyu Tree Lizard
Species information Scientific name: Diploderma polygonatumJapanese name: キノボリトカゲChinese name: 琉球龍蜥English name: Ryukyu tree lizardOrigin: The nominate subspecies is distributed in the Amami Islands and Okinawa Islands. The Sakishima subspecies is found in the Miyako Islands and Yaeyama Islands, while the Yonaguni subspecies is found on Yonaguni Island. Ecology and description This genus was previously named… Continue reading Ryukyu Tree Lizard
Yaeyama Ryukyu Crab
Species information Scientific name: Ryukyum yaeyamenseJapanese name: ヤエヤマヤマガニChinese name: 八重山琉球蟹English name: Yaeyama ryukyu crabOrigin: Ishigaki, Iriomote, Kohama Ecology and description The genus Ryukyum is endemic to the Ryukyu Islands, and currently only includes the single species Yaeyama ryukyu crab. This species is designated as a rare species of wildlife in Okinawa Prefecture due to its… Continue reading Yaeyama Ryukyu Crab
Slaty-legged Crack
Species information Scientific name: Rallina eurizonoides sepiariaJapanese name: オオクイナChinese name: 灰腳秧雞（琉球亞種）English name: Slaty-legged crackOrigin: This subspecies is found on Okinawajima, Miyakojima, and the Yaeyama Islands. Ecology and description The Ryukyu subspecies of the slaty-legged crack is distributed across several islands in Okinawa, with Miyakojima and Ishigaki being the areas where it’s more commonly observed. Adult… Continue reading Slaty-legged Crack